BOURNEMOUTH said a final goodbye to "the most famous aircraft in Britain" this afternoon as the Avro Vulcan bowed out.

The Cold War bomber made its last appearance at the air festival before its retires from flying.

And the man who spearheaded the effort to get XH558 back into air described it as "a sad day."

The Vulcan’s final appearance in Bournemouth proved an emotional affair. 

“Bye bye rockstar,” the commentator lamented over the loud speakers as it flew back to base. 

Those watching were among 3million who will have seen the Cold War bomber in displays this year. 

David Bates, 47, brought his family, including his two teenage sons, down from London for the day especially.

“We were a bit nervous that the bad weather earlier on might mean it wouldn’t come,” he said. “But it was very much worth the trip – I’m pleased my boys got a chance to see it. I feel like they’ve witnessed an important bit of history.”

Thomas Rixon, 62, said: “It’s sad, it’s a hell of a plane, makes a terrific racket and was the main reason I came out today."

Charlotte Carey, 26, added: “I didn’t realise until the commentator started saying how it had been our nuclear deterrent and how important it had been to the country just how significant a moment it was to see it one last time. It’s a shame it won’t be back.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Dr Robert Pleming, chairman of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust told the Echo: "We are very sorry to see her go, but it has been an amazing journey and all good things come to an end. It's the end of an era.

"We have had the additional bonus of seeing her fly again for the past eight years thanks to the huge dedication of the team and tremendous support from the public."

And he paid tribute to Bournemouth. "We have always loved coming here. It's a fantastic place to display and the people of the town have been among our biggest supporters over the years."

Festival goers streamed to the beach and clifftop to see the 3.30pm display as the heavy rain of the morning cleared away.

Bournemouth Echo:

This Vulcan, which first flew in 1960, will now be on display at Doncaster after its last flight in October.

She will still be able to perform fast-taxi runs and visitors will hear the engines roar.

Dr Pleming watched the final Bournemouth display from the VIP marquee on the beach, with 250 other guests including former Vulcan pilot, Maurice Patterson, of Highcliffe.

Gallery: the Vulcan's visits to Bournemouth through the years

Mr Patterson, who flew Vulcans for the RAF between in 60s and 70s, said: "It has been an absolute privilege to have been associated with this wonderful aircraft for so many years both as a pilot and a spectator."

Funds from the VIP event were donated to the John Thornton Young Achievers' Foundation.